How To Make Jam

Instructions

1. Wash and pick the fruit.
2. Weigh fruit and sugar according to recipe.

Cooking the Jam

1. Put the fruit and sugar into a kettle or pot with a little water.
2. Turn on heat and bring slowly to the boiling point.
3. Mash fruit with a wooden spoon while cooking.
4. Stir frequently, being careful to lift the mixture from the bottom of the kettle.
5. When boiling point has been reached, increase the speed of cooking and cook rapidly, stirring constantly to prevent burning or scorching.
6. Do not stir too rapidly or beat the mixture.
7. During this period of cooking, the mass reaches the consistency of a smooth, thick mass.
8. The jam must be tested before putting in jars.

Testing Jams

1. Before making any test of the jam, remove it from the heat.
2. A candy thermometer is the most efficient method of testing.
3. The temperature of jam, when ready to be poured in jars, will range from 221-223 degrees F.
4. The difference between these degrees depends upon the kind of fruit used.
5. If you have no candy thermometer, you may use one of the following tests:
6. Cooling Test: Place a tablespoon of the jam in a small dish.
7. Let cool. If the mass remains in place after cooling, the jam is done.
8. Spoon Test: Take up a little of the jam on a spoon.
9. Allow it to cool slightly, move the spoon gently in the air for a few seconds.
10. If the jam sticks to the back of the spoon, the jam is done.

Pouring Jam in Glasses or Jars

1. Wash and boil jam glasses or jars to sterilize them.
2. Remove from the water a few at a time and drain while hot.
3. Pour the jam while hot into the hot glasses or jars.
4. Fill them full.

Covering

1. Allow the jam to cool off entirely and cover with a thin layer of paraffin.
2. Jam making is the most commonly used way of preserving fruits with sugar.

List of Fruits Making Good Jam

Jams from the following fruits are easily made: